Beyond The Sky - A North Star Aviation Podcast

In this episode of the Beyond the Sky podcast, host John Hogue interviews Alan Utenbogurt , the President of the MSU Aviation Club. Alan shares his unique journey into aviation, which began with a pivot from a civil engineering major and a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship after a nut allergy led to a medical disqualification from military service. The discussion covers Alan’s current role as an audit...

In this episode, host John Hogue sits down with Willie Mekeel, a former student-athlete and current chief ground instructor at Minnesota State University (MSU). McKielle shares his extensive and varied career in aviation, offering insights into Diverse Career Paths, Technical Expertise, and Advice for Aspiring Aviators.

In this episode of the Beyond the Sky podcast, host John Hogue sits down with flight student Lou Pritzik to discuss her journey from a first-generation pilot to becoming a Piper Ambassador . Lou shares insights into her rapid flight training, the unique opportunities provided by her ambassadorship, and the importance of finding community in aviation.

Join host John Hogue on the Beyond the Sky podcast as he sits down with Maddie Luebke to discuss her remarkable journey from a serendipitous discovery flight to flying for Endeavor Air. Maddie shares her experiences navigating flight training at Minnesota State University (MSU), participating in the Air Race Classic, and serving as president of the Women in Aviation club. This episode dives into t...

In this episode, host John Houg talks with the MSU Woman's Air Race team: The Purple Tails! Ariana Moore, Marlee Walker, and Angie Guzik share their racing experience and whit it means to be a part of the Purple Tails and represent women in aviation! 

In this episode of Beyond the Sky , host John Houg sits down with pilot student Abraham Ferber , who accomplished something most aviation students take nearly twice as long to complete—earning his instrument rating in just one semester . Abraham shares how social media unexpectedly sparked his interest in aviation, the mindset and study habits that helped him accelerate through training, and the c...

In this episode of Beyond the Sky , the conversation blends real flight training knowledge with fun, honest stories from the cockpit. From how pilots get started to the moments when training gets intense (or humbling), this episode breaks down what flight training is really like — with insight, humor, and a few “you had to be there” moments along the way.

In this episode of Beyond the Sky , we explore the many career paths that exist in aviation through the lens of avionics and aircraft systems. Our guest shares how an engineering background led to a career working on aircraft electronics, the transition from military to civilian aviation, and why aviation offers opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and interests. Whether you’re a s...

Aviation careers rarely follow a straight line — and that’s exactly what makes them special. In this episode of Beyond the Sky , we sit down with a pilot and aviation educator whose journey started in airplanes, grew through instruction, and came full circle watching students earn their wings and move on to airline cockpits. From family aviation stories and seaplane ratings to breaking down the re...

In this episode of Beyond the Sky , host Zachary O’Brien sits down with commercial pilot-in-training Ian Wright Alice to explore his unexpected path into aviation. Ian shares how a single high-school class led him to a discovery flight that changed his life, the reactions from his family, and what it's really like progressing through commercial training at North Star Aviation. From favorite cross-...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Sky , host Zach O’Brien sits down with Delta Airlines Captain Tyler Stargard , a Minnesota State Mankato graduate and Delta Propel liaison, to trace his journey from childhood flight simulator sessions to the flight deck of a commercial jet. Listeners will hear valuable insights on flight training , career growth , and balancing life as an airline pilot , al...

In this episode of Beyond The Sky , host Zach O’Brien sits down with Danny , a flight instructor at North Star Aviation, to explore his unique path into aviation. Unlike many pilots who grow up surrounded by aviation, Danny had no family or friends in the industry—his decision to fly came as an impulse during his senior year of high school. From there, he built his career step by step, finding a p...

In this episode of Beyond The Sky , host Zach O’Brien sits down with Zachary Crowe , a North Star Aviation alum who is now flying for the airlines. Zachary shares his journey from high school aviation programs to professional pilot training, and ultimately achieving his dream job in the airline industry. Listeners get an inside look at the day-to-day realities of airline life, the importance of tr...

In the first episode of Beyond The Sky , host Zach O’Brien sits down with Rob McGregor to talk about the roots of North Star Aviation and Rob’s personal journey in aviation. From his very first 30-minute intro flight in Mankato in the early ’90s to his career in flight instruction and beyond, Rob shares stories of what drew him to the skies, the challenges and rewards of aviation, and how North St...